Travel And Tourism in Belgium
Euromonitor International's Travel And Tourism in Belgium report offers a comprehensive guide to the market at a national level. It looks at travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, tourist attractions and retail travel. It identifies the leading companies and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market, including background information on disposable income, annual leave and holiday taking habits.
Buy online to access strategic market analysis and an interactive statistical database of market size data for travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, travel retail, tourism attractions and health and wellness tourism, tourism inflows and outflows, tourism spending and company and brand shares.
Tables: 98 | Publication date: Apr 2008
Why buy this report
- Get insight into trends in market performance
- Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
- Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment
Product coverage
Car rental; Demand factors; Health & wellness tourism; Tourism flows domestic; Tourism flows inbound; Tourism flows outbound; Tourism receipts and expenditure; Tourist attractions; Transportation; Travel accommodation; Travel retail
Executive summary
Healthier economy in favour of the Belgian travel and tourism industry
Since 2005, the Belgian economy has recovered slowly. The government has established different social reforms resulting in the creation of jobs and improved disposable income. Additionally, the baby-boomer generation represents the prime target for the travel industry. The ageing population enjoys greater purchasing power and is keen on travelling. These factors helped boost outbound tourism flows in 2006.
Being a small country, Belgium does not offer many varied options for domestic tourism. Consequently, Belgians tend to take longer vacations abroad for summer, as well as skiing holidays. Furthermore, tourism expansion is not limited to Europe, rather, increased demand for ‘exotic’ destinations such as Asia and the Caribbean is apparent.
Business tourism: Key factor in Belgium
Business tourism is an important source of income for the balance of tourism payments. Brussels remains at the heart of business travel in Belgium, as it is the home of certain international and European institutions. The hotel category took advantage of this sound economic situation with a steady increase in 2006. Yet hotels saw a value decline of 0.6% over the review period as a whole.
Leisure arrivals have seen growth over the review period, but the duration of stays is still short; indeed, most leisure tourists visit Belgium for just a few days. However, considerable efforts from the Belgian Tourist Office have been made abroad to promote Belgium as a tourist destination. Its main industries, its hinterland and coast, as well as its cultural assets are featured and promoted on many websites.
Growing transportation sector
Belgium has an excellent railway network within the country, and effective connections to its neighbouring countries. Trains connect the main European cities. Air transportation has seen significant growth in terms of inbound and outbound tourism flows.
Following the bankrupty of Sabena (a former national airline), SN Brussels Airlines SA took over the company in 2002. Its new strategy has broadened to include the offer of low cost flights, as the development of low cost carriers has grown exponentially in Belgium. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is the main airport where low cost carriers are based. The accession of Eastern European countries into the EU has led to increased numbers of new destinations for Belgian (and other European) holiday takers. Thus, Eastern European low cost carriers have started to become established in Belgium.
Substantial efforts of promotion
Due to the political polarisation between Flanders and Wallonia, it can be difficult to run advertising campaigns for the country as a whole. Nonetheless, considerable efforts by governmental authorities have been made to promote Flanders and Wallonia separately.
Sustainable tourism is becoming vital, with significant potential as each region has a beautiful and green hinterland. Climate, however, is not considered a great asset. Sustained periods of good weather can help increase the number of visitors and domestic tourists, particularly along the Belgian coastline.
The internet is continuing to grow in importance as a means for promotion. Indeed, e-tourism or the use of technology to provide online access to cultural resources and experiences has been a particular emphasis for the Wallonia region following analysis from KPMG.
Growth expected over the forecast period
As Belgium trades with its neighbouring countries, business tourism is expected to grow over the forecast period. The international economy remains the driving force, hence a cyclical and structural growth.
In the case of leisure tourism, expansion is less certain as weather conditions, the maturity of tourist attractions and increasing competition from within Europe and beyond may impede growth. Nonetheless, new niches such as spa packages and medical tourism should generate a better balance of tourism payments and encourage job creation. Tourism outbound flow is predicted to be higher than inbound as Belgians traditionally enjoy travel abroad.
Table of contents
TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN BELGIUM : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Healthier economy in favour of the Belgian travel and tourism industry
Business tourism: Key factor in Belgium
Growing transportation sector
Substantial efforts of promotion
Growth expected over the forecast period
KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Economic drivers
Legislative environment
Government tourism policy and sustainable tourism
Consumer lifestyles
Low cost carrier development
Emerging niche sectors
Internet developments
TERRORISM AND SECURITY
LEAVE ENTITLEMENT
CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
MARKET INDICATORS
Table 1 Leave Entitlement: Volume 2005/2006
Table 2 Holiday Demographic Trends 2001-2006
Table 3 Holiday Takers by Sex 2001-2006
Table 4 Holiday Takers by Age 2001-2006
Table 5 Length of Domestic Trip: 2001-2006
Table 6 Length of Outbound Departure: 2001-2006
Table 7 Seasonality of Trips 2005/2006
MARKET DATA
Table 8 Balance of Tourism Payments: Value 2001-2006
DEFINITIONS
Sources
Summary 1 Research Sources
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - BELGIUM
ABELAG GROUP - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 2 Abelag Group: Key Facts
Summary 3 Abelag Group: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 4 Abelag Group: Competitive Position 2006
SN AIRHOLDING - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 5 SN Airholding: Key Facts
Summary 6 SN Airholding: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 7 SN Airholding: Competitive Position 2006
SNCB: SOCIETE NATIONALE DES CHEMINS DE FER BELGES - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 8 SNCB: Key Facts
Summary 9 SNCB: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 10 SNCB: Competitive Position 2006
VLM AIRLINES BELGIUM NV - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 11 VLM Airlines: Key Facts
Summary 12 VLM Airlines: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 13 VLM Airlines: Competitive Position 2006
TOURISM FLOWS INBOUND IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
INBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
INCOMING TOURIST RECEIPTS BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 9 Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2001-2006
Table 10 Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2001-2006
Table 11 Leisure Arrivals by Type 2005-2006
Table 12 Business Arrivals: MICE Penetration 2005-2006
Table 13 Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2001-2006
Table 14 Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country 2001-2006
Table 15 Tourism Expenditure by Sector: Value 2001-2006
Table 16 Method of Payments for Incoming Tourist Receipts: % Breakdown 2005/2006
Table 17 Forecast Arrivals: 2006-2011
Table 18 Forecast Incoming Tourism Receipts: 2006-2011
TOURISM FLOWS OUTBOUND IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
DESTINATIONS
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
OUTBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
OUTGOING TOURIST RECEIPTS BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 19 Departures by Destination: 2001-2006
Table 20 Leisure Departures by Type 2005-2006
Table 21 Business Departures: MICE Penetration % Breakdown 2005-2006
Table 22 Departures by Mode of Transport: 2001-2006
Table 23 Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2001-2006
Table 24 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Sector: Value 2001-2006
Table 25 Method of Payments for Outgoing Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2006
Table 26 Forecast Departures: 2006-2011
Table 27 Forecast Outgoing Tourism Expenditure: 2006-2011
TOURISM FLOWS DOMESTIC IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DESTINATIONS
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
DOMESTIC TOURISM RECEIPTS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 28 Domestic Tourist Expenditure: 2001-2006
Table 29 Expenditure per Domestic Trip: 2001-2006
Table 30 Domestic Trips by Destination: 2001-2006
Table 31 Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit: 2001-2006
Table 32 Method of Payments for Domestic Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005/2006
Table 33 Forecast Domestic Tourism: 2006-2011
Table 34 Forecast Domestic Tourist Expenditure: 2006-2011
TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
HOTELS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 35 Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2001-2006
Table 36 Travel Accommodation by Sector: Units 2001-2006
Table 37 Regional Hotel Parameters 2006
Table 38 Travel Accommodation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 39 Hotel National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2006
Table 40 Hotel National Brand Owners by Market Share 2002-2006
Table 41 Forecast Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2006-2011
Table 42 Forecast Travel Accommodation by Sector: Units 2006-2011
Table 43 Forecast Travel Accommodation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2006-2011
TRANSPORTATION IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
AIRLINES
PRIVATE JETS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 44 Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2001-2006
Table 45 Airline Capacity: 2001-2006
Table 46 Airline Utilisation: 2001-2006
Table 47 Airline % Utilisation 2001-2006
Table 48 Airline Volume Sales by Seat Class: % Breakdown: 2001-2006
Table 49 Airline Volume Sales by Distance: % Breakdown: 2001-2006
Table 50 Transportation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 51 Key Airlines Key Performance Indicators 2006
Table 52 Airline Market Shares 2002-2006
Table 53 Forecast Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2006-2011
Table 54 Forecast Transportation Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2006-2011
CAR RENTAL IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 55 Car Rental Sales by Sector and Location: Value 2001-2006
Table 56 Structure of Car Rental Market: 2001-2006
Table 57 Average Car Rental Duration by Sector 2004-2006
Table 58 Average Car Rental Duration: % Breakdown 2005/2006
Table 59 Time of Booking: % Breakdown 2005/2006
Table 60 Car Rental Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 61 Key Car Rental Companies’ Key Performance Indicators 2006
Table 62 Car Rental Market Shares 2002-2006
Table 63 Forecast Car Rental Sales by Sector: Value 2006-2011
Table 64 Forecast Car Rental Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2006-2011
TRAVEL RETAIL IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
GROWTH SECTORS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 65 Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2001-2006
Table 66 Travel Retail Sales by Product: Value 2001-2006
Table 67 Travel Retail Sales by Destination: % Value Breakdown 2001-2006
Table 68 Travel Retail Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 69 Travel Retail Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 70 Travel Retail Products Market Shares 2002-2006
Table 71 Forecast Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2006-2011
Table 72 Forecast Travel Retail Sales by Product: Value 2006-2011
Table 73 Forecast Travel Retail Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 74 Key Travel Retail Companies by Number of Outlets 2006
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 75 Tourist Attractions by Sector: Value 2001-2006
Table 76 Tourist Attractions by Sector: 2001-2006
Table 77 Tourist Attractions Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2001-2006
Table 78 Leading Tourist Attractions by Visitors 2001-2006
Table 79 Forecast Tourist Attractions by Sector: Value 2006-2011
Table 80 Forecast Tourist Attractions by Sector: 2006-2011
Table 81 Forecast Tourist Attractions Internet Transaction Value Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2006-2011
HEALTH & WELLNESS TOURISM IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 82 Number of Hotel/Resort Spas: Units 2001-2006
Table 83 Spa Sales by Type: Value 2001-2006
Table 84 Spa Consumer Markets: Domestic Tourism 2005-2006
Table 85 Spa Consumer Markets: Arrivals 2005-2006